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Not long after I arrived in the USA I took the required driving test to obtain my PA drivers license. This involved a theory test and 5 mins. actual driving in the car with examiner. Parallel park, 1 stop sign, pull in and out of prison car park (umm :-3), return to test centre. Now I figured, that as I had held my UK drivers license for 20+ years, that the examiner really just wanted to make sure I could drive on the right (umm wrong :-5) side of the road - hence the short test. However, my neighbours son (age 16) just took his test, he also only had 5 mins on the road with examiner!

I really do not think this is enough time for the examiner to truly access a new drivers ability/safety on the road. Is this just PA, or do other states only take 5 mins to test learner drivers?

It's the same in Ohio and West Virginia.

When my 16 year old neighbour drove past me this morning (waving his arms in a mad way - obviously excited about going solo :-2), I took a dive behind my mailbox and hid, shaking until he had gone - I thought I was going to be road kill ! :driving: :-3

at 16 you should have drivers education in school for half the year and then you get to take the test to get your license. :-6

sunny104;708097 wrote: at 16 you should have drivers education in school for half the year and then you get to take the test to get your license. :-6


We have only just got Drivers Ed. put back for our high school kids. The School Board took it away!..................... don't get me started on the School Board. :-5

ThePheasant;708079 wrote: When my 16 year old neighbour drove past me this morning (waving his arms in a mad way - obviously excited about going solo :-2), I took a dive behind my mailbox and hid, shaking until he had gone - I thought I was going to be road kill ! :driving: :-3
This probably should be a seperate post, but . . . . .

The tender age of "16" is way too young for our youngsters to drive!!!! Most of them are still only babies, and really don't know & or really can't understand the grivity of that they can be using a deadly weapon, when used in inexperienced, easily distracted hands! At 18, only two years older, can bring a little more maturity. Not always though, but it's still can be better then at 16. (We made our kids wait till 17 + to start to learn how to drive, & then dragged out their driver's training till they were almost 18)



Don't get me wrong, many "adults" do know the gravity/consequences of reckless driving, and yet still choose to drive carelessly!, Thus making it into a deadly weapon scenario as well.

cars;708271 wrote: This probably should be a seperate post, but . . . . .

The tender age of "16" is way too young for our youngsters to drive!!!! Most of them are still only babies, and really don't know & or really can't understand the grivity of that they can be using a deadly weapon, when used in inexperienced, easily distracted hands! At 18, only two years older, can bring a little more maturity. Not always though, but it's still can be better then at 16. (We made our kids wait till 17 + to start to learn how to drive, & then dragged out their driver's training till they were almost 18)



Don't get me wrong, many "adults" do know the gravity/consequences of reckless driving, and yet still choose to drive carelessly!, Thus making it into a deadly weapon scenario as well.


I totally agree with you

States have different driving requirements to get the license. In Maryland, it is a short test also. But I remember in California, it can be much longer. It just depends...

chonsigirl;708291 wrote: States have different driving requirements to get the license. In Maryland, it is a short test also. But I remember in California, it can be much longer. It just depends...


If you live in California can you "Visit a Friend" in Maryland and take your test there - if so can you legally drive in CA?

Even more basically, given that different states have different licensing requirements, is a license issued in one state valid in another which has stricter requirements?

I was in the DMV once and there was an elderly man there renewing his license. He could not read the eye chart. They kept bumping it up for him. Finally I heard him say, "E?" They told him that was fine and they renewed him. On his way out the door, he dropped his keys. His son picked them up for him and he walked a few feet and fell down. Got up, and stumbled out the door. And drove away.

Bryn Mawr;708319 wrote: If you live in California can you "Visit a Friend" in Maryland and take your test there - if so can you legally drive in CA?

Even more basically, given that different states have different licensing requirements, is a license issued in one state valid in another which has stricter requirements?


Bryn, I am not 100% sure on this one, so it would probably be better if one of our US friends answered this. My understanding is, you have to have the state license issued by the state you live in. You can drive in other states, however if you move to another state, you have to get a new license for that state (I'm not sure if this time based or license plate based - like if you drive with a PA plate, and live in PA, you have to have a PA license (umm not sure). I was allowed to drive under my UK license (or international license) for a max. of 1 year.

And yes, states do have different driving requirements, like speed restrictions, rules on mobile phone and seat belt usage etc. However, you could drive through a state unaware of that states rules - its up to you to find out - I wonder how many do :-3

ThePheasant;708363 wrote: Bryn, I am not 100% sure on this one, so it would probably be better if one of our US friends answered this. My understanding is, you have to have the state license issued by the state you live in. You can drive in other states, however if you move to another state, you have to get a new license for that state (I'm not sure if this time based or license plate based - like if you drive with a PA plate, and live in PA, you have to have a PA license (umm not sure). I was allowed to drive under my UK license (or international license) for a max. of 1 year.

And yes, states do have different driving requirements, like speed restrictions, rules on mobile phone and seat belt usage etc. However, you could drive through a state unaware of that states rules - its up to you to find out - I wonder how many do :-3


So in effect it's no different to being in Europe with each state being a different country?

Bryn Mawr;708367 wrote: So in effect it's no different to being in Europe with each state being a different country?


I think so. There could be insurance differences though. Can you drive anywhere in Europe under your existing car insurance ?

ThePheasant;708368 wrote: I think so. There could be insurance differences though. Can you drive anywhere in Europe under your existing car insurance ?


Didn't used to be but I'm sure I'm covered EU wide now.

Had no need for extra insurance when I went to Eire earlier in the year.

RedGlitter;708344 wrote: I was in the DMV once and there was an elderly man there renewing his license. He could not read the eye chart. They kept bumping it up for him. Finally I heard him say, "E?" They told him that was fine and they renewed him. On his way out the door, he dropped his keys. His son picked them up for him and he walked a few feet and fell down. Got up, and stumbled out the door. And drove away.


This should probably be a seperate post (It has been a while ago) as well, but. . . . . .

"Strict" 20/20 Eyesight, & normal accepted response time reflex testing S/B required/manditory "& needs to be passed", when a person looking to renew their driver's license reaches a certain age! Actually that can be construded as predijuced, and it probably is. (It's a fact of life, old age can disable/hinder a person) But good eyesight, & keen reflexes are required to keep the mass majority safe on today's roads! Having said that, & keeping within that same vain of thought, "Testing" S/B required for all person's looking to renew their driver's licenses. Since regardless of age, a perminent disabling incident can have occured since getting their original license that can hinder a young person's eyesight, & or as well have impaied their reflexes!. So . . . . . . .

I find it ironic that I haven't opened this thread until today....and it just so happens that my 18 year old son, who has only had his license a year (a little over a year, June was a full year) is sitting in a class to prevent his license from being suspended!! My son has had about 5 accidents and 5 traffic tickets, and I don't wish that on ANYONE....and here's the kicker...I DID procrastinate as long as I could, and not soley on purpose, just because I'm a one woman show......

In Virginia they teach the written part of Drivers Ed only, then it is your duty to take the behind the wheel class on your dime of around $ 230.00 (Which I'm still bitter about paying all of, the ex was all upset that my son didn't have his license, but didn't offer to help pay to get it:mad:) After you pass the course then they issue you a temp. license and then get the perm one after so many days....I think...I can't remember that far back....I just remember my son carrying a piece of paper around as a license....oh yeah, they have to go to Court and the Judge talks to them and shows them videos of teens in accidents. Then they are able to get their real license.

WonderWendy3;709015 wrote: I find it ironic that I haven't opened this thread until today....and it just so happens that my 18 year old son, who has only had his license a year (a little over a year, June was a full year) is sitting in a class to prevent his license from being suspended!! My son has had about 5 accidents and 5 traffic tickets, and I don't wish that on ANYONE....and here's the kicker...I DID procrastinate as long as I could, and not soley on purpose, just because I'm a one woman show......

In Virginia they teach the written part of Drivers Ed only, then it is your duty to take the behind the wheel class on your dime of around $ 230.00 (Which I'm still bitter about paying all of, the ex was all upset that my son didn't have his license, but didn't offer to help pay to get it:mad:) After you pass the course then they issue you a temp. license and then get the perm one after so many days....I think...I can't remember that far back....I just remember my son carrying a piece of paper around as a license....oh yeah, they have to go to Court and the Judge talks to them and shows them videos of teens in accidents. Then they are able to get their real license.


Out of interest Wendy, did the school district pay for any of the Drivers Ed. and also, was there a reduction in insurance for having taken the course?

Its very scary, the number of accidents I see reported that involve young kids behind the wheel.

ThePheasant;709230 wrote: Out of interest Wendy, did the school district pay for any of the Drivers Ed. and also, was there a reduction in insurance for having taken the course?



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Hi! Pheasy,:)

No it's not Wendy:wah:

She may be able to tell you more about what you want to know. But as far as I know Drivers ED classes in school cost nothing.And I am almost sure you do get a reduction on insurance.

I luv your new avatar.:-4

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Lisa;709232 wrote: Hi! Pheasy,:)

No it's not Wendy

She may be able to tell you more about what you want to know. But as far as I know Drivers ED classes in school cost nothing.And I am almost sure you do get a reduction on insurance.

I luv your new avater.:-4

.


Thanks Lisa :-4

I thought you did not have to pay for Drivers Ed. either - thats why I don't understand why Wendy had to pay that amount

ThePheasant;709230 wrote: Out of interest Wendy, did the school district pay for any of the Drivers Ed. and also, was there a reduction in insurance for having taken the course?

Its very scary, the number of accidents I see reported that involve young kids behind the wheel.


The Drivers Ed in-class instruction is provided by the County Schools, however the behind the wheel education is required by law and up to the individual to pay for it out of their pocket. They can not get thier license without it. NO reduction for insurance for nothin'....that I know of....I can't afford to keep my son on my insurance...:-5:-5:-5



When I was in high school (hold the dinosaur jokes for later please....) It was all provided for us, we drove around the parking lot in little cheapie cars...and then took our road test with the nervous nelly lady teacher and then we would go to the DMV and take the final test and get our license.

WonderWendy3;709234 wrote: The Drivers Ed in-class instruction is provided by the County Schools, however the behind the wheel education is required by law and up to the individual to pay for it out of their pocket. They can not get thier license without it. NO reduction for insurance for nothin'....that I know of....I can't afford to keep my son on my insurance...:-5:-5:-5



When I was in high school (hold the dinosaur jokes for later please....) It was all provided for us, we drove around the parking lot in little cheapie cars...and then took our road test with the nervous nelly lady teacher and then we would go to the DMV and take the final test and get our license.


It would be worth checking the reduction in insurance - it could just be certain states :-3

So it all has changed.Thats crappy:mad:

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Lisa;709232 wrote: Hi! Pheasy,

No it's not Wendy

She may be able to tell you more about what you want to know. But as far as I know Drivers ED classes in school cost nothing.And I am almost sure you do get a reduction on insurance.

I luv your new avatar.:-4

. But you live in WV, it could be all different Lisa....I'm not sure

ThePheasant;709233 wrote: Thanks Lisa :-4

I thought you did not have to pay for Drivers Ed. either - thats why I don't understand why Wendy had to pay that amount They changed it, not sure how long ago....but imo they make it harder for you to get your license.

ThePheasant;709240 wrote: It would be worth checking the reduction in insurance - it could just be certain states :-3 I've never heard of a reduction in insurance for taking driving courses....